After a frustrating and underwhelming season in the Premier League, Manchester United have one last shot at redemption.
On Wednesday, they’ll go head-to-head with Tottenham in the Europa League final—a chance not just to win a trophy but to salvage pride after a campaign that’s left fans disheartened.
For United manager Ruben Amorim, this isn’t just another game.
It’s personal, it’s emotional, and it’s loaded with responsibility.
Amorim’s Message Is Clear: Winning Is the Only Thing That Matters
Ahead of the big showdown in Bilbao, Amorim didn’t mince words.
He told his squad that finishing second in a final like this simply isn’t remembered.
Only winners get written into the history books—especially at a club like Manchester United.
“Something I learned as a player is that you need to win,” he said, reflecting on his own painful experience as a runner-up in the 2014 Europa League final with Benfica.
“No one says, ‘I was a finalist,’ especially not at Manchester United.”
A Trophy Is Important, But It’s Not Enough for the Fans
While lifting the trophy would certainly be a highlight, Amorim acknowledged that it wouldn’t be enough to make up for the struggles the fans have endured this season.
Despite their loyalty and passion, United supporters have been left disappointed time and again.
And he knows they deserve more.
“This is for the club, the fans, the staff—everyone.
But it’s not enough,” he admitted. “The fans have been unbelievable.
They’d swim to Bilbao if they had to, even without tickets. We need to give something back.”
Managing Emotions and Expectations Ahead of the Big Night
As kick-off approaches, Amorim is already dealing with the tough decisions every manager faces before a final. Some players won’t make the starting XI.
Others may not even be in the matchday squad. But he’s not shying away from the responsibility.
“It’s part of my job,” he said. “Yes, it’s hard for players to hear they won’t be starting.
But we’ve dealt with so many injuries, and in a final, even playing one minute matters. If we win, everyone wins.”
For Amorim, This Is More Than Just a Final—It’s a Mission
Amorim isn’t just thinking like a coach—he’s feeling every moment of this buildup as someone who’s lived the pain of losing and understands the joy of winning.
That duality makes his approach more human and more urgent.
“You’re constantly thinking about what to say to the team, how to prepare them, how to support the staff,” he explained.
“It’s not like being a player. This is different. The responsibility runs deeper.”
One Last Chance to Make It Right
As United prepare to face Spurs at the iconic San Mames Stadium, they carry not just the weight of a final—but the weight of a season that’s been filled with setbacks.
For Amorim, for the players, and especially for the fans, Wednesday night is more than just a match. It’s a shot at redemption.
And as Amorim made perfectly clear: losing is not an option.